Why Have We Been Neglecting Seaweeds in Our Daily Diet?

The Japanese, known for their flawless skin, swear by sea vegetables, also known as seaweeds. Seaweeds have 10-20 times more mineral content than vegetables grown on land. It does take time to get used to including them in your meal, especially if you are a vegetarian, but they can make a tasty and healthy addition to your diet.Sea vegetables are an intelligent addition for health and longevity. Over the last few decades, medical researchers have discovered that a diet rich in sea vegetables reduces the risk of some diseases and helps the body eliminate toxins. Sea vegetables are capable of binding with heavy metals and radioactive toxins in the body to safely escort them out. In additions, the minerals in sea vegetables exist in chelated colloidal form that makes them readily bioavailable.
 Once we know how to use them, they provide incredible benefits and can be used in wide variety of delicious dishes. Here's a quick profile of seven wonderful & readily available Seaweeds:1. NORI: Is a red sea plant with a sweet meaty taste when dried. It contains nearly 50 percent balanced assimiable protein, higher than other sea plants. Nori's fiber makes it a perfect sushi wrapper. Nori is rich in all the carotenes, calcium, iodine, iron and phosphorus.2. HIJIKI: Is a mineral rich high fiber sea weed that is 20 percent protein, with Vitamin A, carotenes and calcium. Hijiki has the most calcium of any sea green: 1400 milligrams per 100 gm of dry weight compared with 80 milligrams of calcium found in 100gm of low fat cottage cheese.3. KELP: Contains A, B, E, D & K and is a great source of vitamin C. Kelp works as a blood purifier, relieves arthritis, stiffness and promotes adrenal, pituitary and thyroid health. Kelp's natural iodine normalizes thyroid related disorders like obesity and lymph system congestion.4. WAKAME: Is a high protein-high calcium sea weed with carotenes, iron and vitamin C, widely used in the Orient for hair growth and glowing complexion.5. ARAME: The Ocean's richest source of iodine. Herbalists use Arame to help reduce breast and uterine fibroids. Through its fat soluble and phytoestrogen action, it helps to normalize menopausal symptoms. Arame is believed to promote soft wrinkle free skin and enhances the luster of your hair.6. KOMBU: Has long tradition of nutritional healing widely valued by the Japanese. It is a decongestant for excess mucous, and help lower blood pressure. Kombu has abundant iodine, carotenes, B, C, D & E vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica, iron and zinc and also the powerful skin healing nutrients germanium. Kombu is meaty high protein seaweed. Add a strip of Kombu when cooking beans and legumes to reduce acidity.7. IRISH MOSS: Is full of electrolyte minerals-calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium. Its compounds help to detoxify the body, boost metabolism and strengthen hair, skin and nails. It's traditionally used to improve a low sex drive.Thus chop, crumble, crush or snip any mix of dried sea weeds you like into soups, sauces, salads. Roast them into anything you cook. Sun dried seaweeds are convenient to buy, store and use when needed.Disclaimer:The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.